All Time XI: Fiorentina

Fiorentina have had precious few trophies to celebrate so they have often sought consolation in the individual talent their team possessed. Through the ages, fortunately, they have been blessed with some of the most gifted footballers to have ever graced the Italian game. Selecting an all time XI feels a bit like being asked to pick out the best year from an array of classic Chiantis. Good fun, perhaps, but far from straightforward.

There have been only two Scudetti – league titles – in the Tuscan club’s history, a smattering of Coppa Italias, an Italian Super Cup and a European triumph in the Cup Winners’ Cup which happened so long ago that the tournament no longer exists. And yet their famous purple colours enjoy a notoriety far greater than their trophy cabinet might demand. That is probably down to the glorious players to have donned their distinctive strips. 

Picking the finest footballers, and their formation, is a subjective act and never a simple one when trying to weigh up performances from different eras – especially ones before you were even born. Nonetheless, it is an intriguing prospect to imagine how those greats might have slotted together into one side and one guaranteed to provoke intense debate. After many decades of watching – some would say suffering – Fiorentina, here is a best shot at a very personal all time XI.

Goalkeeper: Francesco Toldo (1993-2001)

The older guard would argue for Scudetto winner Giuliano Sarti or Tuscan-born Enrico Albertosi and Giovanni Galli who all guarded the Florentine goal with great honour but the big man from Padua played more games in purple than any of them. He helped the club climb out of Serie B, win a couple of Italian Cups and an Italian Super Cup before departing for Inter. At his peak, he was an imposing presence with impressive agility for a big guy, earning plaudits in Italy and beyond. His international career was hampered by being in the shadow of Gigi Buffon but his performance against the Netherlands at Euro 2000 remains the stuff of legend.

Right-back: Angelo Di Livio (1999-2005)

A sentimental pick this one for Il Soldatino (The Little Soldier) who was often more a midfielder than a full-back in truth. Signed from arch-enemies Juventus, he won the hearts of Florentines by remaining loyal – and taking a huge pay cut – when the club was relegated to Italy’s fourth tier after its financial collapse. A solid performer, up and down the wing, he helped the Viola back to Serie A before hanging up his boots.

Left-back: Sergio Cervato (1948-1959)

Relying on the almanacs it is hard to argue over the inclusion of at least one member of the Scudetto winning side of 1956. Cervato racked up more than 300 appearances for the Tuscan side, captaining them in the later stages of his spell. He was renowned for his powerful shot which ensured him more than his fair share of goals despite his defensive role.

Centre-back: Daniel Passarella (1982-1986)

There has always been a strong affinity between Fiorentina and Argentinian players and one of the first to join after a ban on foreign signings was lifted in 1980 was also one of the best. A World Cup winner in 1978, he was a natural defensive leader who also contributed a double-figure goal haul in a single season for the Florentine side in his final year at the club. At a time when Serie A was home to the world’s top talent he was a huge presence at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and, later, at Inter.

Centre-back: Davide Astori: (2015-2018)

Others may have played more and won more but few had a more profound effect. He joined initially on loan before securing a full-time deal and quickly rising to become captain. A quiet leader, he was deeply loved by his team-mates who were all traumatised by his shock early death when on an away trip to Udine in 2018. They still chant his name in the 13th minute of games in Florence to honour a man taken away too soon.

Central Midfielder: Giancarlo De Sisti (1965-1974)

Our deep-lying midfielder would have a lot of work to do in a slightly lop-sided formation but he would surely have been up to the job. A winner of Fiorentina’s second Scudetto in 1969, he was also part of the Italy side that won the Euros in 1968. He would return to the club as manager in the early 1980s and took them as close as anyone to a third league title which ensured his place in the hall of fame.

Central Midfielder: Rui Costa (1994-2001)

If you look up elegance in the Calcio dictionary you would find the Portuguese star. His beautifully languid performances lit up the team in Florence in the late 1990s before he switched to Milan. A couple of Coppa Italias and the Super Cup came his way in the Renaissance City where he clearly left a part of his heart. In this team he would get a free roving role to allow him to express himself fully.

Central Midfielder: Giancarlo Antognoni (1972-1987)

Not quite a one-club man but the undisputed talisman and captain of this all time XI would be the man they called “L’Unico 10” – the only number 10. Despite countless overtures for his signature he remained loyal to Firenze for most of his career and it won him the undying love of the Curva Fiesole. Stylish and skilful, he was the perfect playmaker with an eye for goal. You may win the title, they used to say, but we have Antognoni.

Forward: Kurt Hamrin (1958-1967)

The Swedish winger gets a more fluid role in our attack-minded 4-3-3 as a man who racked up goalscoring records during his time in Italy. Originally signed by Juventus, they discarded him after a season but Fiorentina spotted him at Padova and a decade-long love affair began. L’Uccellino – The Little Bird – was a dismantler of defences, most notably in the 1961 Cup Winners’ Cup final against Rangers and was club record scorer for many years. He remains revered in Florence.

Forward: Gabriel Batistuta (1991-2000)

While Antognoni would wear the armband, the team’s spiritual leader would surely be the club’s own indomitable warrior who led the line in Tuscany for a defence-terrorising decade. He guaranteed goals with a level of determination, power, skill and strength that made him a superstar in a league which was packed with greats of the game. The honours were few – an Italian Cup and Super Cup – but the affection of the fans was so intense they erected a statue in his honour. The echoes of chants for Batigol still echo around the atmospheric old stadium.

Forward: Roberto Baggio (1985-1990)

The first thing he did after being signed from Vicenza was get seriously injured but Fiorentina knew the talent they had acquired and nursed him slowly back to fitness. He rewarded them with breathtaking performances, solo goals, magical assists and a run all the way to the UEFA Cup final. His sale to Juventus prompted riots in the streets and a lifetime of pondering and regret over what might have been if they had been able to retain a player who has repeatedly said he had no desire to leave.

All in all, in the tradition of the Viola, a 4-3-3 formation that might not win a lot of trophies but sure would be a lot of fun to watch. Sitting on the bench would likely be Fulvio “Fuffo” Bernardini who presided over a golden spell in the 1950s when the club won its first league title and was a regular contender at the top of the table. They know, in Florence, just how lucky they’ve been to see players like the ones in this XI – and many more besides.